Pray for the kings.

Jonah was given a second chance in Jonah 3, after he had been vomited out by the fish. He heeded to the command of the Lord and went straight into Nineveh. The love and compassion of our Lord was fully exhibited as He spared his life though Jonah had plainly disobeyed Him. The Bible informs us about how Jonah preached assiduously, covering the whole town in a day instead of three; job well done!! However what struck me the most, was the attitude of the king. He set aside his royal robes, covered himself with dust, wore sackcloth (a symbol of humility and repentance) and called upon God. He went further to promulgate a decree/law throughout his vast land, commanding everybody and everything to do the same; What a leader!

We are often very critical of our leaders, which is all well and good. But the question is: How many of us spare some time to intercede for them?. Will our world not be a better place if our leaders are "cut in the heart" with the Gospel of God, influencing their actions and the laws they pass? Today lets leave the criticisms for a while and get down on our knees in prayer. You can begin by joining me to pray:

" Father, we thank you for our leaders.
We thank you for their lives and the roles they play in it.
We humbly ask for your mercy upon those who have strayed so far from you,
for those who have contradicted the purposes for which you placed them in those offices
for those who have abused the power you have given them
for those who have led their people astray, from you.
We humbly ask that you shall touch the hearts of all leaders in the world with your gospel;
that their actions or inaction, at all times will seek to glorify your name,
that they will lead the people to lives that glorify your name
that your wisdom will be their number one counselor
that regardless of the pressures of this world, their stronghold will forever be you
that their lives shall be one that points their people to you.
In the name of Jesus, we pray,
AMEN."